The General Dynamics F-111 entered service in 1967 as a medium-range aircraft designed for interdiction and tactical strikes. The F-111 was used as an all-weather attack aircraft capable of low-level penetration of enemy territory. It also could be used for reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Some unique features are variable geometry wings, the 2 crew members sat side by side in an escape capsule, internal weapons bay; terrain following radar and after-burning turbofans. The USAF retired their last F-111 in 1998 but the RAAF continued to use theirs until 2010.

General Dynamics F-111E “Aardvark” 68-0020 was c/n A1-189/E-30. It was brought on charge on December 17, 1969 and allocated to the 27th TFW at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. In October 1970 the aircraft was transferred to the 474th TFW located at Nellis AFB, Nevada. In March of 1971 68-0020 moved back to the 27th TFW and later that year transferred to the 20th TFW at RAF Upper-Heyford, England. In 1976 68-0020 was given the honor of wearing the paint scheme celebrating the American Bicentennial. In 1989 the same aircraft was the flagship of the 20th TFW and wore the nose art “The Chief”. The RAF Upper-Heyford flight line was due to close on December 15, 1993 so on December 7th the final 3F-111s left the base with 68-0020 flying to Hill AFB, Utah. The aircraft was retired and entered the Hill Aerospace Museum where it was painted and displays as “My Lucky Blonde”.

General Dynamics F-111A specifications

The F-111E had modified air intakes to improve the engine's performance at speeds above Mach 2.2.